Lubrikační technologie pro snízení tření v medicínském zařízení.

Holandský výrobce medicínských zařízení s celosvětovou působností hledá lubrikační technologie pro snížení tření mezi fluoro-polymerním pouzdrem a Nitinolovým stentem s polymerním potahem při vytahování zpět. Současný systém používá silikonový lubrikant, ale stále je třeba snížit třecí sílu o polovinu. Tato společnost hledá partnera pro možnost podpisu licenční dohody nebo dodavatele takovéto technologie.

Description:
Self-expanding Nitinol stents are delivered in the vascular system by placing them inside of a small diameter fluoro-based tube and pushing them out of this tube at the target location. There is a high friction component due to the radial outward force of the self-expanding stent against the inner wall of the delivery tube. The current solution for minimizing these friction forces is to use a silicon lubricant, being applied to the inner wall of the tube.

This request is for lubrication technologies that enable a friction reduction by at least 50 per cent compared to the silicone-based lubricant.

The lubrication technology should be FDA-approved, vascular compatible, and suitable for use in a catheter that delivers a polymer coated stent. The company is interested preferably in a lubrication method, in explanation a finished lubrication product which can be applied directly, but is open as well for other finished innovative solutions beyond lubrication.

Applied material can withstand a subsequent processing temperature range of minus 70 degrees Celcius encountered during loading of the stent to 55 degrees Celcius and a relative humidity of 90 per cent during sterilization. Minimum residual amount of lubricant should be transferred onto the implantable medical device during delivery of the implant in the body.

Cost factor is an important criteria. Thus, other cost effective methods beyond or in combination with lubrication which allows the same reduction in friction will be considered as well.

Inovace